When Amelia Earhart disappeared in 1937 during her flight around the world, she was already America's most famous female aviator. Mary Lovell vividly captures the drama and mystery behind this influential flier and feminist, from her tomboy days at the turn of the century to her early fascination with flying. Lovell also focuses on the unique relationship Earhart shared with George Putnam, the flamboyant publisher and public relations agent who became both her husband and her business manager.

"Vividly evokes the tragic aspect of Amelia Earhart, as well as the moxie and grit of her personality and the hair-raising atmosphere of pioneering aviation."—NYTBR

"In this biography of Amelia Earhart, Lovell explores the controversial relationship between the celebrated aviatrix and her publicist husband George P. Putnam, a brilliant and aggressive businessman who recognized opportunity in the growing clamor for record-breaking flights. Contrary to the view ... that he disregarded his wife's safety by promoting increasingly dangerous flights, Lovell concludes that Earhart initiated and took responsibility for her own risks, and that their marriage was more substantial than a convenient arrangement of mutual self-interest.... Lovell examines the promotional machinery which publicized her feats when she was alive and gave rise to years of fantastic speculation and false hope about her fate after her disappearance in 1937."—Publishers Weekly